HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-19 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
December 19, 2024
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, December 19, 2024 commencing at 10:20 a.m.
Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting.
MEMBERS
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS:
A. Doerksen, Reeve
D. Short
A. Skanderup
L.Kopp
H.Johnson
G. Skriver
K. Christman
E. Unruh
A. Philpott
N.Johnson
STAFF: M.
Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer
T
Green, Director of Agricultural Services
A.
Wiebe, Environmental Services Supervisor
M.
Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
L.
Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
S.
Hanson, Controller
S.
Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor
S.
Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief
A.
Ferguson, Fire and Safety Administrative Assistant
T
Schroeder, Manager of Operations
C.
Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A.
Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S.
Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: C.
Mindorff, PACE Canada Development LP
C. Parker, CAO - City of Brooks
R. Robinson, EMERG Consulting
S. Robinson, Visitor
T Steidel, Mayor - Village of Duchess
Y. Cosh, CAO - Village of Duchess
A. Davis, CAO - Town of Bassano (via Microsoft Teams)
CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
Regular Council
December 19, 2024
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (December 5, 2024)
C-377/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the December 5, 2024 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-378/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the agenda be adopted as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held. No County Ratepayers were in
attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public.
10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
10.1 Legislative Appointments — Environmental Services Supervisor
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council, A. Wiebe, Environmental Services
Supervisor, was introduced to Council.
C-379/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the County of Newell appoints Austin
Wiebe as an Inspector pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act until such a time
that his employment with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
C-380/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the County of Newell appoint Austin
Wiebe as an Officer pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pests Act until such a time
that his employment with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
C-381/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the County of Newell appoint Austin
Wiebe as a Soil Conservation Officer pursuant to Section 15 of the Soil Conservation Act
until such a time that his employment with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
A. Wiebe left the meeting at 10:28 a.m.
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
10.2 2025 ASB Conference Resolutions
The Director of Agricultural Services presented the resolutions being brought
forward at the 2025 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference. The
resolutions will be discussed further during the January 16, 2025 Council meeting.
10.3 BMO Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. Council requested further discussion on
this item during the In Camera portion of this meeting.
10.4 Policy Review— POL-005-24 Coyote Control Incentive Program
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-382/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Policy POL-005-24 (Coyote Control
Incentive Program) be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
11.1 Road Closure -Approval to Proceed (Snake Lake Reservoir)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this
item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion
followed. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions
regarding public access to the reservoir and provided an explanation of crown
claimable land.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
C. Mindorff and L. Johnson arrived at 10:45 a.m.
C-383/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that we proceed with the process for closing
and LEASING the road allowances under Snake Lake Reservoir as well as the road
allowances that will be impacted by the proposed expansion of Snake Lake Reservoir.
MOTION CARRIED
DELEGATIONS
9.1 Request for Letter of Support - PACE Canada Development
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item.
C. Mindorff provided an overview of the Salt Flats Solar Farm proposal and a
summary of the agrivoltaics plan which outlines dual use of the land for solar
energy and agriculture. He indicated three primary concerns raised during
stakeholder consultations - negative impact on view, declining property values, and
preference for residential development on the land - and provided details on plans
to mitigate these concerns.
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
ARRIVED AT MEETING
C. Parker arrived at 10:58 a.m.
C. Mindorff provided an overview of the development permit conditions required
by the City of Brooks and indicated City Council has provided a letter in support of
the project. He displayed a map showing the location of landowners who have
filed Statements of Intent to Participate (SIP) in the Alberta Utilities Commission
(AUC) proceedings regarding this project. He also listed exhibits filed with the AUC
by PACE Canada Development and summarized new Ministerial Orders regarding
requirements for renewable energy developments. C. Mindorff provided Council
with the application timeline, indicating that the AUC hearing is scheduled for
March 3-7, 2025.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
R. Robinson and S. Robinson arrived at 11:04 a.m.
S. Hanson arrived at 11:06 a.m.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C. Mindorff responded to
questions regarding landscaping and setbacks, noting that development approval
will require engineered drawings. He responded to further questions from Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor A. Skanderup left the meeting at 11:15 a.m.
C-384/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council provides a letter in support of the
PACE Canada Development LP Salt Flats Solar Power Plant project.
C. Mindorff responded to further questions regarding solar panel reclamation and
provided details on solar panel recycling available within the County of Newell.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor A. Skanderup returned at 11:18 a.m.
VOTE ON MOTION C-384/24 — MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
C. Mindorff left the meeting at 11:18 a.m.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
11.2 Policy Review - POL-051-24 Information Technology
The Chief Administrative Officerprovided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
C-385/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Policy POL-051-24 (Information
Technology) be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
11.3 Policy Review - POL-052-24 Investment
The Controller provided background information on this item and responded to
questions from Council.
C-386/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Policy POL-052-24 (Investment)
be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Hanson left the meeting at 11:21 a.m.
11.4 Resolution - Opposition to the Canadian Net -Zero Emissions Accountability
Act
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
summarizing changes made to the resolution since the November 21, 2024
Council meeting. If approved, the resolution will be forwarded to the January 2025
Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association meeting. Council was given the
opportunity to ask questions.
Councillor D. Short spoke in opposition to the proposed resolution expressing
concerns with it being biased, misleading, and political rather than scientific.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Y Cosh and T. Steidel arrived at 11:24 a.m.
Discussion followed regarding amending the resolution by removing the request
for the RMA to advocate for the withdrawal of the Canadian Net -Zero Emissions
Accountability Act.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
S. Luchies and A. Ferguson arrived at 11:28 a.m.
Councillor H. Johnson responded, indicating that the committee developed the
resolution with a balanced approach that includes advocacy for a complete
reworking of the Canadian Net -Zero Emissions Accountability Act. Discussion
followed.
C-387/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council APPROVES the "Opposition
to the Canadian Net -Zero Emissions Accountability Act' resolution as presented and
directs Administration to submit it for consideration at the January 17, 2025 Foothills Little
Bow Municipal Association meeting.
Page 5 of 12
Regular Council
December 19, 2024
Councillor D. Short requested a recorded vote.
In Favour — Division 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
Opposed —Division 1, 6, 10
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
A. Davis arrived at 11:31 a.m.
C-388/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move into Public Hearings at
11:34 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Bylaw 2085-24 24 LUA 007 (NW 5-19-15-W4 - A-GEN to R-RUR)
Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:34 a.m
Reeve A. Doerksen did not review the procedures that would be followed for the
hearing as there were no new persons in attendance.
The Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public
Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2085-24 The intent of this bylaw is to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning approximately 3.0 acres
(1.2 hectares) in NW 5-19-15-W4 from Agriculture, General (A-GEN) District to
Residential, Rural (R-RUR) District.
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this
item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent
landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received
from adjacent landowners. None of the affected agencies have indicated any
objections.
There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition
to the proposed bylaw
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions
C-389/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:36
a. m.
MOTION CARRIED
9. DELEGATIONS — continued
9.2 Newell Regional Emergency Management Plan
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this
item. R. Robinson provided background information on the Newell Regional
Emergency Management Plan developed by the Newell Regional Emergency
Partnership to define multijurisdictional roles and responsibilities during an
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
emergency situation. Once the NREMP is approved by all parties, Phase ll will
focus on implementation and development through emergency exercises. R.
Robinson provided an overview of the NREMP including the role and structure of
the Emergency Communications Centre and a list of the NREMP agency
members.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Robinson and S. Luchies
responded to questions, indicating that agencies that may have been omitted, such
as CPKC Rail and the Eastern Irrigation District, will be included in Phase ll. R.
Robinson responded to further questions.
C-390/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the Newell
Regional Emergency Management Plan as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
R. Robinson, S. Robinson, C. Parker, A. Davis, T Steidel, S. Luchies, A. Ferguson, and L.
Johnson left the meeting at 12:05 p.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:05 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:59 p.m.
9. DELEGATIONS — continued
9.3 Request for Annexation to the County of Newell - 350 Railway Ave, Duchess
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this
item. She outlined the response options, indicating the preferred option is for the
landowner to work with the Eastern Irrigation District regarding raw water
access. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion
followed. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions
regarding the financial implications, indicating that the cost estimate provided is
very high level and does not include Planning & Development staff time. Y. Cosh
responded to further questions, indicating that the Village of Duchess Council has
discussed this annexation request.
C-391/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Administration directs the
landowner to discuss the use of raw water usage for 350 Railway Avenue in Duchess, AB
with the Eastern Irrigation District.
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided an overview regarding the
annexation process and water services available to the landowners adjacent to
350 Railway Ave.
Reeve A. Doerksen called the question.
VOTE ON MOTION C-391/24 — MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
LEFT THE MEETING
Y Cosh and M. Jackson left the meeting at 1:10 p.m.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS —continued
11.5 Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South - Lease Agreement
Review/Approval
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
indicating that there are three head leases for the CDC South Facilities and one
sublease that outlines the compensation from Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation for
operating costs. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there is a gap
between the province's proportional share of the operating costs and the costs to
be paid by tenants. He provided information regarding the campaign to gather
Expression of Interest proposals and indicated that a CDC South Project
Coordinator will begin working in 2025.
Discussion followed. Council expressed concerns with signing lease agreements
before tenants are secured. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to
questions regarding the potential cost to the County for operating costs for the
CDC South Facilities. Reeve A. Doerksen indicated that a proposal for upgrading
the CDC South Facilities will be considered in the provincial budget in Spring
2025. Councillor K. Christman reported that the CDC South Revitalization
Committee is developing a business plan. The Chief Administrative Officer
provided information regarding responses to the call for Expressions of
Interest. He indicated that the head leases are for a 10-year term with 1-year exit
clauses for both parties.
Further discussion followed regarding the compensation arrangements. The Chief
Administrative Officer indicated that Alberta Agricultural & Irrigation is not
interested in providing an annual operating grant for the CDC South Facilities and
are bearing their proportional share for the site. He responded to questions
regarding the P. Duncan Hargrave Building, greenhouse, and storage
shed. Further discussion followed.
C-392124 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council APPROVES the Crop
Diversification Centre (CDC) South lease agreements as presented and directs
Administration to execute the agreements with Alberta Infrastructure.
MOTION CARRIED
11.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (November 2024)
C-393/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the November 2024 Councillor
Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
11.7 Requests for Functions of Council
There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this meeting.
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
12.1 Policy Review POL-035-24 Dust Abatement
The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-394/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Policy POL-035-24 (Dust Abatement)
be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Schroeder left the meeting at 1:51 p.m.
8. BYLAWS
8.1 Bylaw 2085-24 24 LUA 007 (NW 5-19-15-W4 - A-GEN to R-RUR)
C-395124 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2085-24, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating approximately 3.0 acres
(1.2 hectares) in NW 5-19-15-W4 from Agriculture - General (A-GEN) District to
Residential - Rural (R-RUR) District, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-396/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2085-24 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Bylaw 2084-24 Local Improvement (North Headgates)
The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-397/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2084-24, being a bylaw for the
purpose of amending Bylaw 2027-22 (Local Improvement - North Headgates), be given
SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-398/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2084-24 be given THIRD and FINAL
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Biette left the meeting at 1:53 p.m.
8.3 Bylaw 2086-24 Schedule of Fees
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
C-399124 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2086-24 being a bylaw for the
purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-400/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2086-24 be given THIRD
and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
13. COMMITTEE REPORTS
13.1 City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board
Councillor G. Skriver reported that the metrics for the Brooks Recreation User
Group grant was reviewed.
13.2 County of Newell Library Board
Councillor L. Kopp reported that the County of Newell Library Board met the new
representative from Rolling Hills during the last meeting. The policy manual has
been updated and the library plan of service will be reviewed in 2025.
13.3 Joint Services Committee
Councillor K. Christman reported that the Joint Services Committee received
delegations from the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, Suffield, and
Grasslands Schools. The Joint Services Committee terms of reference will be
reviewed during the January meeting.
13.4 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association
Councillor N. Johnson reported that Councillor R. Juska provided an update on the
SAEWA project during the Joint Municipal Meeting on December 14, 2024.
13.5 Land Conservation Act Workshop
Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report.
13.6 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor H. Johnson submitted a written report.
13.7 Brooks Region Tourism Association
Councillor A. Skanderup submitted a written report.
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
13.8 Brooks Airport Commission
Councillor A. Skanderup submitted a written report.
13.9 Newell Housing Foundation
Councillor A. Skanderup and Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report.
13.10 Regional Emergency Advisory Committee
Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report.
14. POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
15. INFORMATION ITEMS
15.1 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
15.2 FCM Response -Advocacy Efforts on Rural & Regionally Relevant Issues
Council asked Administration to circulate the original letter to FCM from Wheatland
County.
15.3 2024 Assessment Year Modifiers
This item was accepted as information.
15.4 Bassano RCMP Report (November 2024)
This item was accepted as information.
16. QUESTION PERIOD
A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator
indicated that there were no questions from the public.
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Regular Council
December 19, 2024
17. IN CAMERA
C-401/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 2:03 p.m. to
discuss the following matters:
BMO Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards — FOIPAct Section 19;
CAO Performance Evaluation — FO/PAct Section 19.
MOTION CARRIED
C-402/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move out of camera at 2:39 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
C-403/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that on behalf of the County of Newell Ag
Service Board we nominate the Ralph Retzlaff family for the 2025 BMO Bank of Montreal
Farm Family Award; further, that Councillor E. Unruh attend the Awards banquet on behalf
of the County of Newell ASB.
MOTION CARRIED
20. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
Signed this 10day of --3aAA-) -12025
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Reeve
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County Administrator
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